TAPUHI BLOCK.

Putaruru Press, 19 January 1928, Page 3

TAPUHI BLOCK.

SECURING A RESERVE. Matamata County Support. At Friday’s meeting of the Matamata County Council, Cr. E. J. Darby, who with Cr. Judd was mainly responsible for carrying through the protracted negotiations to secure the top of Maung'atautari mountain as a climatic reserve and native bird sanctuary, reintroduced the matter of securing the Tapuhi block of 5000 acres as a reserve. It would be a pity, said Cr. Darby, if such a chance were missed. In his opinion Cr. Rollett should call meetings in the district, and work up public opinion, and this would give the council something to go on when approaching the Government. Cr. Rollett pointed out that meetings had been held, and there was no doubt the settlers wanted the block. The Farmers’ Union had not condemned the proposal but simply allowed it to lapse. Cr, Darby : When we are offered something for nothing we should make every effort to obtain it. Such reserves will become a valuable asset in time. The engineer pointed out that no offer had actually been made, but they had “ every reason to believe ” one would be made. There had been an interesting play on words. (Laughter.) Cr. Darby : Well, that’s all right ; we can tell the department we have “ every reason to believe ” an offer will be made. (Laughter.) Cr. Rollett : I’ll support any motion which will help to secure the block. Cr. Dee stated that he was keenly interested in the question and urged that every effort should be made and that the matter should not be allowed to drop. On the motion of Crs. Darby and Rollett it was agreed that the Government should be approached with a view to taking over the block from the owners.